2022 Kia Stinger Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Fuel system and structural issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

As a high-performance vehicle, the 2022 Kia Stinger is meant to create excitement. After all, the automaker claims it was “built to thrill.” Yet, the only thrill experienced by drivers is trying to figure out how long it will be in the shop for repairs on the defective electrical system, malfunctioning fuel system and poorly-built structure.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Kia Stinger

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
3
Service Brakes
1
Structure:body
1
Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
1
Electrical System
1

Problems with the Electrical System

Considering every vehicle runs on a sophisticated electrical system, this is one area where the automaker should never lack. Yet, there are some massive problems to deal with when it comes to the 2022 Stinger.

One NHTSA complaint says, “The contact owns a 2022 Kia Stinger K5. The contact stated that with the key inserted in the ignition and turned to the ON position, the locks failed to automatically lock as designed. The failure only occurs while the vehicle was turned on. The vehicle was securely locked using this method a few days ago, whether the vehicle was tuned ON or OFF. The contact stated that the vehicle was only automatically securely locked when the vehicle was turned off. … stated they had a similar failure with the Kia that was traded for the current vehicle. … stated that the vehicle had also displayed an odometer reading of 7,400 miles however, the following day the mileage was 200. The dealer was contacted however, there was no reply. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”

Beyond this, Kia admits to other failures. Service Bulletin #PS704 for the Kia Stinger talks about how the front radar sensor might illuminate a light that creates issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Smart Cruise Control systems. Considering how much people rely on these technologies, it doesn’t seem very safe that they are faulty. The “thrill” of this vehicle is whether or not it’s going to work from day to day.

Problems with the Fuel System

While fuel is needed to make the car go, it should never smell of gasoline inside the cabin. Yet, that’s what appears to be happening.

Just read what this NHTSA complaint says. “In March of 2021 we purchased a 2022 Stringer after driving vehicle. Me and family members noticed car had STRONG GAS SMELL that DID NOT go away. As a matter fact SMELL got STRONGER to the point we started getting HEADACHES every time we rode in this vehicle. I contacted Sale Person who sold us the vehicle advised him car smells of STRONG GASES who informed me to contact Service Department and let Service Department know the problem I’m having with my new purchase 2022 Stringer which I did. After reaching out to service department! phone was given to Service Manager who informed me all new vehicle have a coding which makes cars smell of gas however, smell should go away after 2,000 continue driving miles. Per Service Management continue driving vehicle if smell doesn’t go away He will check vehicle out. SMELL DID NOT GO AWAY we felt like we we’re going to DIE smell was so strong that is when I contacted Dealership spoke with several people letting them know this car is going to blow up at least it smells like it.”

The complaints goes on to state, “Once I spoke with financial Department Management informed him of problem we were having with vehicle and TOLD HIM I’M NOT DRIVING VEHICLE ANYMORE IT IS GOING TO BLOW UP GAS IS SO STRONG per the financing Manager he DID NOT BLAME ME HE ALSO suggested We not DRIVE Vehicle. I had it towed in to dealership for several days hear from no one about car was told per service manager car was being checked out by KIA’s top mechanic it’s ok to drive now it is dry there is no moisture we can drive it. Unknown to me what is wrong with this car but something is TERRIBLY WRONG with this car. No I don’t feel safe to drive this car with me nor my family we felt like we were going to DIE in the car SMELL was that STRONG.”

There are even bigger issues with the engine. Service Bulletin #TSB_CLI050 says that the heater hose clamp on the engine may have been installed incorrectly. Considering how simple this task is, it’s clear that the engineers and production line are not working together. This car shouldn’t leave with the wrong parts installed. After all, it doesn’t take rocket science or a massive college degree to put an appropriate part in the right place on a vehicle. Maybe it’s time for those robots to take over the production line. There would probably be fewer mistakes.

Problems with the Structure

The 2022 Kia Stinger doesn’t even seem to be put together correctly. Driving in a car making squeaks and creeks doesn’t leave someone feeling secure.

Just check out this Edmunds review. “There have been a lot of rattles coming from the driver’s side door and sunroof. The biggest issue is the paint chipping from day one of buying the car. Still working out that with Kia consumer affairs. As of a month of trying to get resolved, still no luck.”

Kia is aware that this car has serious issues. Even discussing headlight concerns with Service Bulletin #TSB_BOD055_R1. Of course, the company also pawns off some of the troubles as “normal,” leading people to feel crazy. The biggest “thrill” with driving this car will be the day it can be traded in for something better.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryService Brakes
DateFeb 24, 2023
StateFL
Description
I brought my 2022 kia stinger gt -2 in to greenway kia, west palm beach fl on 02/20/2023 for routine maintenenace, check front end alignment and brake check as there was significant vibration while applying breaks and choppy breaking. The mileage is 4000 and driven primarily city/low speeds. Later that day I was told that the rotors needed to be resurfaced as they were warped. I questioned how a new ,000 vehicle with low milage could have warped rotors this soon, as I work from home and rarely drive it. I was told by the service manager that this was a design flaw in the kia stinger and the vehicle should have been fitted with high performance slotted rotors by the manufacturer. I was charged 5 for the resurfacing because the 12/12 waranty has expired on the exact day the car was brought in for service. I stated that 12/20/23 does not end until midnight and I should not be charged anything for a design flaw in the vehicle, particularly a safety flaw involving the breaking system. The service manager stated that they have had similar issues with the stinger gt with low milage as well and that I would have to file a compliant with kia motors. I do not beleive that I should have been charged anything for this repair and that the vehicle stingers should be recalled due to being a safety hazard to owners as well as other motorist's on the roads. A high performance vehicle; 6 cylinder twin turbo with 368 hp 3. 3 l engine should have appropriate and safe breaking system to stop the vehicle. Aside from the vehicle being unsafe with innapropriate rotors I believe that I was intentionally ripped off by kia motors, greenway kia or both. I advise all vehicle consumers to consider these facts before purchasing a high performance stinger, or fo rthat matter any kia product
CategoryStructure:body, Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly
DateJan 03, 2023
StateTX
Description
I was driving on the highway at approximately 70 mph when I heard the loudest bang I've ever heard before. I then heard glass shattering and thought glass was going to fall all over my 9 month old baby and I. I was in shock and I could have wrecked or drove off the highway from how scared I was. It was the loudest sound I've ever heard before and my ears are still ringing from it. I immediately took an exit, I was in shock and had no idea what happened because nothing hit my car. No one was behind me and no one was in close proximity of my car in front of me either. I pulled over into a parking lot and my sunroof glass was completely shattered and it looked as if it blew out from the inside of the car rather than the outside. There was no warning, nothing happened prior to this that would indicate there was any type of issue with my sunroof and I rarely use (open/close) my sunroof at all.
CategoryElectrical System
DateOct 12, 2022
StateCO
Description
The remote start will not work and they cannot figure out how to fix it.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateMar 16, 2022
StateUT
Description
Driving on the freeway, heard a loud banging noise above my head, saw glass flying behind me in the rear view mirror. The sun roof exploded leaving approximately 40 to 45% of the window on the road
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateMar 15, 2022
StateCA
Description
Sunroof glass shattered on freeway with no warning and no hit or cause to it. Kia still made me drive it when it was broken.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateJun 05, 2021
StateNV
Description
In march of 2021 we purchased a 2022 stringer after driving vehicle me and family members noticed car had strong gas smell that did not go away as a matter fact smell got stronger to the point we started getting headaches every time we rode in this vehicle. I contacted sale person who sold us the vehicle advised him car smells of strong gases who informed me to contact service department and let service department know the problem I'm having with my new purchase 2022 stringer which I did. After reaching out to service department! Phone was given to service manger who informed me all new vehicle have a coding which makes cars smell of gas however, smell should go away after 2,000 continue driving miles. Per service management continue driving vehicle if smell doesn't go away he will check vehicle out. Smell did not go away we felt like we we're going to die smell was so strong that is when I contacted dealership spoke with several people letting them know this car is going to blow up at least it smells like it. Once I spoke with financial department management informed him of problem we were having with vehicle and told him I'm not driving vehicle anymore it is going to blow up gas is so strong per the financing manager he did not blame me he also suggested we not drive vehicle. I had it towed in to dealership for several days hear from no one about car was told per service manger car was being checked out by kia's top mechanic it's ok to drive now it is dry there is no moisture we can drive it. Unknown to me what is wrong with this car but something is terribly wrong with this car no I don't feel safe to drive this car with me nor my family we felt like we were going to die in the car smell was that strong.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

See more posts from Brian Jones
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